New bird registration rules soon to come into force
“This new requirement will allow us to communicate with bird keepers effectively, which is vital in helping us to manage disease outbreaks such as bird flu” – Huw Irranca-Davies.
New rules requiring bird keepers in England and Wales to register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are set to come into force.
Before the change in the law, only keepers who had 50 or more birds needed to register. From 1 October all keepers of poultry and other captive birds will legally be required to register, regardless of flock size.
Backyard flocks, birds of prey, and pigeons are included in the rules. However, keepers of caged pet birds such as parrots, canaries, and budgerigars do not need to register as long as their birds are kept inside except for short periods such as visits to a veterinary practice.
The new rules are designed to make it easier for APHA to contact bird keepers with updates and guidance if there is an outbreak of a notifiable disease in their area, including any future outbreaks of avian influenza. They are also intended to make disease surveillance activities more effective.
Ele Brown, the UK’s deputy chief veterinary officer, said: “The legal deadline for bird keepers to register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency is now less than one month away. These measures are an important step which will enhance monitoring and understanding of the disease, combatting the spread of avian influenza in Great Britain.
“The registration requirements will support better collaboration between bird keepers and government, with keepers informed of measures to take to protect the health of their birds.
“All poultry, whether a large commercial flock or a few backyard pets, are at risk of infectious diseases. This approach will improve our resilience to future pandemics.”
Huw Irranca-Davies, Wales’ cabinet secretary for rural affairs, added: “This new requirement will allow us to communicate with bird keepers effectively, which is vital in helping us to manage disease outbreaks such as bird flu.
“We encourage all keepers in Wales to register their birds ahead of the legal deadline on 1st October.”
Image © Welsh government
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
